NEW PRODUCTS - More blades the better, says Mercury

Mercury has redesigned its popular Bravo Three dual-prop system, claiming more acceleration, better holding, and reduced weight.

The new generation Bravo Three setup now has a four-blade front prop replacing the original three-blade, with the rear three-blade prop remaining the same.

"The lower-pitch front propellers in the Bravo Three line-up have been redesigned from top to bottom," said product manager Dirk Bjornstad.

"These changes result in better acceleration across the board with light and heavy loads.

"But the differences are most pronounced on boats with slower acceleration times. We've seen up to eight per cent faster acceleration in heavier applications.

"With the refinements made to the rake profile of the props, and the configuration of the 3/4 blade combination, customers can expect to get on the plane quicker and increase the holding in mid range — the best combination possiblefor any boater," Bjornstad said.

Mercury said the new Bravo Three is available in 20, 21 and 22.5 pitch, and has warned that its new props cannot be mixed on single or dual engines with the old-style 3/3 Bravo Three propellers.

Photo: The new generation Brave Three now has a four-blade front prop.